Photographer's Note

No, this is not a circus acrobatics team...read on to know more!

Krishna is perhaps the most beloved Hindu God in India. Widely worshipped as a child, the stories of Krishna appear across a broad spectrum of Hindu philosophical and theological traditions. They portray him in various perspectives: a god-child, a prankster, a model lover, a divine hero and the Supreme Being.

Traditional belief based on scriptural details and astrological calculations gives the date of Krishna's birth, known as Janmashtami, as either 18 or 21 July 3228 BCE. Krishna belonged to the royal family of Mathura, and was the eighth son born to the princess Devaki, and her husband Vasudeva.

Dahi Handi is a popular activity in Maharshtra, held during Janmashtami & commemorating the antics of a young Lord Krishna. This time around, due to health cautions regarding Swine Flu, the Handi festival in Mumbai was much muted.

Origin of this activity: Legend has it that as a child, Lord Krishna was very fond of curd and butter. He would gather his friends and they would steal butter from the houses of the milkmaids of Vrindavan. To protect their curd and butter from this gang of naughty children, the milkmaids kept it in a pot and hung it from the ceiling of their houses. Today's practice of Dahi Handi is the same challenge posed by the women of a locality to the young men of their neighbourhood.

The Beckoning Pot: The plan for Dahi Handi begins much before Janmashtami. Contribution is collected from every household in the locality. The day after Janmashtami, women buy large amounts of flattened rice (poha), curds, sugar and pickles. The poha, curds and sugar are mixed together to form dahi-poha, a dish that was said to be a favourite of Lord Krishna. A large earthen pot is then filled with dahi-poha . Tangy pickle is placed in the centre. The pot is decorated on the outside with flowers and leaves. As an added incentive, currency notes are tied to the pot. Now it is ready as the mouth-watering prize. You can see the pot on the top right.

Human Pyramid: This pot is hung high up in an open ground, 30 to 50 feet above ground level. It is a challenge to the youth of the locality to claim this pot. The youth too are ready for the challenge and have practiced their skills.

As soon as the pot was hung, they arrived at the ground. The group (called Govindas!) measure up the pot hanging high, gauged its height and began to form a human pyramid to reach it. But the task is not easy. Ignoring the slippery bodies the boys went on adding tier after tier to their pyramid. Finally, the smallest boy climbed like a cat over the bodies of his friends forming the pyramid. He reached the summit, carrying a stick in his hands.

Atlas should not shrug now...I prayed!

The crowd watched with bated breath. One slip and he would fall down from a height of several feet onto the road, with no protection whatsoever. Or what would happen if one of guys down below in the pyramid twitched or shrugged? Everyone would tumble down like a pack of cards, with injuries to many of them...a frightening prospect as I stood quite numb! The boy took the aim and with great accuracy, broke the pot. Down poured the dahi-poha and there was a scramble to get the money and the prasad (offering).

I post this picture today on the eve of Janmashtami, which falls on 10th August (tomorrow).

Hello Angshuman,
This is a brilliant picture. It has everything a good photo needs: A strong and distinct composition, superb sharpness and contrasts, good colours, and interesting subject, suspense and a well written and highly interesting note.
Fantastic,
Kind regards,
Gert

Hi Angshuman,
A fascinating note and image to accompany, you have captured the feeling of height of the human pyramid well using the vertical composition and I like that you have started them in the corner of the frame. A nice cultural documentary image.
Regards
Wanda

Hello Angshuman,
this is a fascinating picture, a breathtaking point of view. I love the way you have framed it, the complete pyramid making a stunning diagonal in superb contrast with the vertical of the rope. By including the rope and pot at the side of the frame you brought excellent dramatic context and interest into it. The capture of details, colours and contrasts is wonderful. Congratulations and thank you for your photo and comprehensive note!
All the best, have a lovely day,
Ourania

Magnificent point of view to create this very original and spectacular pespective,a neverendng human staricase to the sky! Beautiful idea and great quality of details,colors and lights.Have a nice day and thanks,Luciano

Hello Angshu,
informative your note about Krishna with the created pyramid in his honor from young Indians to make the scenery unique.As i see all they take part in it wear the same cloths with this on the top to be a real climber.Excellent presentation.

Good afternoon.
Very interesting and good article, about a folk custom ...
Good image sharpness and contrast, beautiful colors.
Good composition, beautiful moment.
Young men are brave and news.
Nice folk custom.
Have a nice day, all the best for the weekend.
Good luck.
Paja.

Namaste, my friend Angshuman,
a splendid image in which you have caught this dynamic scene, full of vitality, in which these men build a human pyramid fighting against the gravity.
Do you know? In Catalonia there is an ancient tradition very similar to the one that you show us here, called "Castells" (Castles).
An effective framing that provides a strong perspective to the scene, and a good work with the light and the colors.
It is a gorgeous composition.
Best wishes,
Josep

Hello Angshuman,
I don't know what is better your photo or your note? I think both are an excellent.
The photo has great diagonal composition of men trying to get a pot. Superb colors, light and sharpness.
Your photo shows me another tradition of your country, thanks.
Best regards,
Zbigniew

Thank you Angshu, I have learned a lot, today, and now understand the significance of this human pyramid! The perspective is very difficult but I love how you have composed the young men. They show up well against the sky, disappearing, as they do, towards it!

This is not an activity for the faint of heart. Of course, the participants of the ritual are wiry, but the slender human pyramid appears to soar 4-5 times the height of an individual. As usual, an enlightening note complements the photo.

Hi Angshu
I really enjoyed reading the note you provided, it gives us the entire picture and history all in one.
obviously you couldn't really photograph this from a high elevation (although that would be cool!) so the low low POV works great as it exaggerates their tall height even more so.
wonderful work, a fine addition to TE!
Cheers
Craig

This is a decisive moment, Framing this human pyramid tightly on the left and tilting it ever so slightly increases it fragility, its precarious balance. The opposition between the colors is great. I guess you didn't have much time to do it before clearing the landing area. Congratulations,